England manager Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad of the 2025-26 season, with Tottenham defender Djed Spence and Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson both receiving senior call-ups.
The Three Lions are preparing for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, with Tuchel’s 24-man list unveiled on his 52nd birthday. The squad combines fresh talent with experienced names, reflecting Tuchel’s intent to build depth for the campaign.
Spence and Anderson, both standout performers early in the season, earned promotion from the Under-21 side that captured the European title under Lee Carsley.
“There’s no better motivation for young players than knowing the pathway is open. Djed and Elliot have shown real quality and maturity — they’ve earned this chance,” Tuchel said in a statement released on the team’s website.
England, who currently sit top of their qualifying group after wins over Albania, Latvia, and Andorra, will face Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday, September 6, before travelling to Belgrade to take on Serbia on Tuesday, September 9.
The squad also welcomes back John Stones after a long injury layoff, alongside recalls for Marcus Rashford and Adam Wharton. Tuchel praised their resilience, noting the importance of experience in high-stakes campaigns.
The team will assemble at St George’s Park next week to begin preparations following the weekend’s domestic fixtures.
Full England squad:
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Man City)
Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle), Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham), John Stones (Man City)
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan from Man United), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
England continue their qualifying journey through October and November, with the aim of sealing their place at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
